What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Bedford, Texas?
In Texas, there is no state-issued “general contractor” or “handyman” license for basic repair/remodel work, but state trade licensing (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.) is strictly enforced and many projects still require local building permits. In Bedford (Tarrant County), you generally must register your business (and may need a city contractor registration/permit process) even if the state does not license your handyman work. There is no statewide “handyman exemption” dollar threshold that lets an unlicensed person perform regulated electrical/plumbing/HVAC work—those trades require state licenses regardless of job price.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement work), patching, caulking, weatherstripping
- Minor drywall repair and texture matching (non-structural)
- Basic carpentry: trim, baseboards, interior doors, cabinetry install (non-structural)
- Tile/vinyl/laminate flooring installation and repair (not altering structural subfloor/joists)
- Fence repair (where not requiring a new structural footing or permit-triggering rebuild)
- Hanging shelves, TV mounts, curtain rods (anchored properly; no structural changes)
- Replacing like-for-like hardware (doorknobs, hinges, cabinet pulls) and basic appliance swaps that don’t alter plumbing/electrical connections beyond plug-in
- Yard/building maintenance tasks that do not touch regulated trades (gutters cleaning, pressure washing)
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Bedford
Based on the TX threshold, handymen in Bedford commonly take on:
- Interior/exterior painting (non-lead abatement work), patching, caulking, weatherstripping
- Minor drywall repair and texture matching (non-structural)
- Basic carpentry: trim, baseboards, interior doors, cabinetry install (non-structural)
- Tile/vinyl/laminate flooring installation and repair (not altering structural subfloor/joists)
- Fence repair (where not requiring a new structural footing or permit-triggering rebuild)
- Hanging shelves, TV mounts, curtain rods (anchored properly; no structural changes)
- Yard/building maintenance tasks that do not touch regulated trades (gutters cleaning, pressure washing)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Electrical contracting/work regulated by TDLR (running new circuits, working in panels, service changes, most wiring): requires appropriately licensed electrician/contractor
- Plumbing work regulated by TSBPE (installing/altering water supply or drains, many water heater installs, new plumbing fixtures when it involves plumbing connections beyond simple like-for-like swaps): requires licensed plumber or supervised work under one
- HVAC (air conditioning and refrigeration) installation/service/repair: requires TDLR ACR license and EPA 608 for refrigerants
- Gas piping and gas appliance connections (often treated under plumbing/HVAC rules and local code enforcement): requires proper state-licensed trade and permits
- Structural modifications (removing load-bearing walls, framing changes, additions): typically requires permits and may require an engineer and licensed trades
- Roofing (Texas does not have a state roofing license, but cities often require permits/registration and insurance; verify Bedford requirements)
- Any work requiring a building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical permit in Bedford—permits often require the appropriate licensed trade to pull them
Business License — Bedford
Required. Contractor Registration / Business Authorization (City of Bedford)
Setting Up Your Business in TX
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in TX: $300 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Bedford
- Step 1: Choose your entity (LLC recommended) and file the Texas LLC Certificate of Formation ($300) with the Texas Secretary of State.
- Step 2: If you will sell taxable items/services, register for a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit with the Texas Comptroller (typically $0).
- Step 3: Contact Bedford Building Inspections to confirm contractor registration requirements and the current contractor registration fee schedule before pulling permits.
- Step 4: Get general liability insurance (and commercial auto if you use a work truck/van).
- Step 5: If you plan to offer electrical, plumbing, or HVAC services, pursue the appropriate Texas state trade licensing (TDLR/TSBPE) or subcontract those portions to licensed trades.
Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.